Azores, Portugal
Azores’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)
The guide to Azores’s best restaurant
The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the mid-Atlantic belonging to Portugal, is not just a feast for the eyes with its volcanic landscapes and green hills – it’s also a playground for foodies. From São Miguel’s famous cozido (Portuguese stew), slow-cooked underground by geothermal heat, to the freshest seafood pulled straight from the Atlantic, eating in the Azores is an adventure in itself. But with so many hidden gems scattered across nine islands, knowing where to eat can be overwhelming, so we are sharing our top picks of Azores’s best restaurants. And because a great meal isn’t just about where you eat but what you order, we’re breaking down the must-try dishes at each stop.
Top photography courtesy of Mercado da Vila
01
Mercado da Vila
Mercado da Vila stands out for its distinct multi-cuisine concept. This restaurant, envisioned by chef, entrepreneur and writer Rúben Pacheco Correia, brings together four different kitchens – Italian, Portuguese, sushi and even chocolate – allowing you to experience a variety of flavours under one roof. We love the light and airy interior where large windows create soft lighting that accentuates the stylish design, which artfully blends natural materials like wood and stone with modern furniture and colourful art. One of the must-try dishes here is their Gnocchi Sorrentino, with a tomato-based sauce, basil, garlic, parmesan, bacon and mozzarella – Italian perfection!
Mercado da Vila
R. Vasco da Silveira 36
Vila Franca Do Campo
Portugal
Photography courtesy of Mercado da Vila
02
Õtaka
Õtaka is where the Azores meet Japan and the result is something special. This Ponta Delgada hotspot is all about Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours, with an Azorean twist. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. It all comes together beautifully on the plate. Chef Paulo Mota takes local ingredients – fresh fish, island-grown vegetables and even Azorean wasabi – and transforms them into delicate, flavour-packed dishes. The tasting menu is the best way to experience his creativity, with dishes like tuna tataki with ponzu, Azorean black pork gyoza and citrus-cured fish. The interior of Õtaka is sleek and minimalist, designed to let the food speak for itself. Clean lines, subdued lighting and subtle local design elements create an atmosphere that is both contemporary and inviting.
Õtaka
R. Hintze Ribeiro 9
Ponta Delgada
Portugal
Photography courtesy of Õtaka
03
Cardume
Cardume is the signature restaurant of White Suites & Villas, offering a refined dining experience deeply rooted in Azorean seafood cuisine traditions. The restaurant mirrors the boutique hotel’s minimalist elegance – featuring crisp white interiors, volcanic stone accents and a view that stretches toward the Atlantic. But the real highlight? The food. Under the direction of chef Vítor Sobral, Cardume takes a modern approach to Azorean cuisine, celebrating the archipelago’s seafood traditions with inventive twists. The highlight here is the cured tuna with Asian sauce and roasted sweet potato, as well as the fish and shrimp curry.
Cardume
White Exclusive Suites & Villas
R. da Rocha Quebrada 10
Ponta Delgada
Portugal
Photography courtesy of Cardume
04
Louvre Michaelense
Walking into Louvre Micaelense feels like stepping back in time – but in the best way. This historic café-turned-bar in Ponta Delgada combines old-world charm with a fresh, creative approach to food and drinks. Originally a 19th-century pharmacy, the space still holds onto its vintage feel, with antique shelves, glass cabinets and a touch of nostalgia. But the menu? That’s where things get exciting. They offer delicious small plates designed for sharing, featuring Azorean cheeses, cured meats and seafood dishes bursting with flavour. One must-try? The pão do forno, a traditional island bread served warm with local butter. They also serve unique cocktails, making use of local ingredients like Azorean tea, passion fruit and pineapple.
Louvre Michaelense
R. António José D'Almeida 8
Ponta Delgada
Portugal
Photography courtesy of Louvre Michaelense
05
Cella Bar
Cella Bar might just be the most Instagrammable spot in the Azores – but it’s far more than just a pretty face. Located on the coastline of Pico Island, this architectural gem looks like something out of a design magazine, with its curved wooden structure blending seamlessly into the landscape. But the real star is the view. Sitting on the terrace with a glass of local wine, watching the Atlantic waves crash against the rocks – it doesn’t get much better than that. Let’s not forget about the food. Give the Pica Pau a try – rustic cut steak with pickles and olives and also try their pico sausage served with yam purée. And of course, there’s wine. Pico Island is known for its unique volcanic wines and Cella Bar is the perfect place to try them!
Cella Bar
Rua Da Barca
Carmo
Madalena
Portugal
Photography courtesy of Fernando Guerra
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